Cloonbonnif National School
Castlerea, Roscommon
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 24 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 11 girls, 13 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 11242L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Cloonbonniffe National School is a mixed Catholic primary school situated in a rural setting approximately 8 km from Castlerea town. Operating under the patronage of the Bishop of Elphin, the school maintains a strong Catholic ethos while welcoming children of all faiths and none. It is co‑educational and serves the local community with a small, dedicated staff that includes two class teachers and a special education teacher, fostering a close‑knit learning environment. The school’s educational approach is holistic, combining academic learning with a broad programme of environmental and physical activities. Participation in the Green Schools and Active Schools initiatives highlights a commitment to sustainability, with projects such as an outdoor classroom, biodiversity workshops, and curlew conservation programmes. Physical education is reinforced through a structured PE programme and events like Active Schools Week, while wellbeing is promoted through dedicated Wellbeing Week activities. Enrichment opportunities include a Junior Entrepreneur Programme, drama sessions, cultural visits (e.g., Clara Bog), and health initiatives such as CPR training with the Irish Heart Foundation. Community involvement and partnership are central to school life. The school collaborates with local organisations and takes part in national campaigns such as World Bee Day and litter‑collection drives, encouraging pupils to become active, responsible citizens both locally and globally.
History
Cloonbonniffe National School was first opened in 1875, establishing a long‑standing educational presence in the countryside surrounding Castlerea.
Applying to Cloonbonnif National School
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Cloonbonnif National School. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Cloonbonnif National School
How many pupils attend Cloonbonnif National School?
Cloonbonnif National School has 24 pupils enrolled, 11 girls and 13 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Cloonbonnif National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Cloonbonnif National School is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Cloonbonnif National School?
Cloonbonnif National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.